A getter electrode is provided to prevent dendrite formation and growth in electrochemical cells having alkali metal anodes such as lithium. The getter electrode includes a relatively thin, for example, about 2 mil thick layer of active material selected from the group consisting of carbon, graphite and mixtures thereof disposed on an inert substrate such as glass fiber separator paper. The getter electrode is positioned between the anode and the cathode in the cell and is separated from the anode and cathode by separators of fiberglass paper or the like. The getter electrode functions as a cathode with low rate capabilities. When dendrites arrive at the getter electrode from the anode or cathode, they are immediately discharged and not allowed to grow beyond the getter electrode. The result is a dramatic improvement in the cell cycle life and capacity retention.